Mumbai Fishermen Seek Ambergris Sale Permission

Mumbai fishermen have approached Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to seek permission to possess and sell ambergris that is naturally found without harming or hunting whales.

The National Fishworkers’ Forum (NFF) and Maharashtra Machhimar Kritee Samiti (MMKS) have urged the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to create a regulated mechanism for the sale of naturally found ambergris.

The fishermen’s groups have stated that their demand is limited to ambergris that is naturally expelled by sperm whales and found floating in the sea or washed ashore. They have maintained that no whale is hunted or harmed in obtaining such material.

Ambergris is a waxy substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales and has commercial value, particularly in the perfume industry. It is also used in incense, dhoop, and traditional medicines.

However, the sperm whale is protected under India’s wildlife protection framework and is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This creates difficulties for fishermen who inadvertently recover ambergris, as possession can be treated as an offence.

The organisations have proposed that the government establish a transparent regulatory system supervised by the Forest Department, including registration of recovered ambergris and its auction through authorised channels.

Such a mechanism could help distinguish naturally recovered ambergris from material obtained through illegal hunting, while also generating revenue for the government. The fishermen’s organisations have stated that they are completely against any form of whale hunting and their request is limited only to the ambergris that is naturally expelled and found by fishermen.

The representation was signed by Ramkrishna Tandel, Chairperson, National Fishworkers’ Forum; Leo Colaco, President, Maharashtra Machhimar Kritee Samiti; and Kiran Koli, General Secretary, Maharashtra Machhimar Kritee Samiti.

The fishermen’s organisations have also sought an opportunity to meet the Union minister and discuss the issue in detail, citing the economic implications for the coastal fishing community.

The proposal by the fishermen’s organisations could provide a solution to the legal concerns surrounding the possession and sale of naturally found ambergris, while also promoting the conservation of sperm whales.

In conclusion, the request by Mumbai fishermen to sell naturally found ambergris without harming whales is a significant issue that requires attention from the government. The proposed regulatory mechanism could help address the legal concerns and promote the conservation of sperm whales, while also generating revenue for the government and supporting the livelihoods of fishermen.